Each of us has a unique part to play in the healing of the world.
And no one will listen to us until we listen to ourselves.
Marianne Williamson (born 1950) is an American author who has written 14 books (at last count).
From Isaiah 41:1: “Listen to Me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment.”
Daily life racing ahead
Bearing with its constant noise
Searching for journey’s beachhead
Father’s mercy transmits poise
Listen in silence, God speaks
Hearing His comforting voice
Quieting peace, each heart seeks
Father calms, let man rejoice
Heaven breathes, stillness exhales
Shining His light, never fear
Leaving dark, wilderness trails
Father leading, always near
Schedule time, only for God
Drawing near, learning His way
Transforming sinful facade
Father’s blessed Word, let’s pray
American writer Madeleine L’Engle captures the essence of meaning found in this poem with these words: “Deepest communion with God is beyond words, on the other side of silence.”
From the words of American pastor and Christian teacher, Charles Stanley: “Many voices compete for our attention, but abundant life comes when we listen to our Good Shepherd.”
Good Shepherd’s voice
Searching for sheep
Finding lost ones
Mercy won’t sleep
Recognizing
True Shepherd’s Word
His voice shares grace
Forever heard
Good Shepherd’s faith
Persistence heeds
Calling His sheep
Voice gently leads
Shepherd holding
Salvation’s keys
Closed gate opens
God’s voice agrees
As faithful sheep
Hearing His voice
Safely at home
Always rejoice
Coming to Christ
Believers walk
Trusting His voice
Hope’s solid rock
From John 10:3-5: “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.”
In our finest hours, though, the soul of the country manifests itself in an indication to open our arms rather than to clench our fists.
Politicians often talk too much and listen too little, which can be self-defeating.
Jon Meacham (born 1969) is an American writer, historian, and American President biographer. He is currently the Canon Historian of the Washington National Cathedral. He has been awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Biography from his published work about American President Andrew Jackson.
The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all of the other ages you’ve been.
Because we fail to listen to each other’s stories, we are becoming a fragmented human race.
Madeleine L’Engle (1918-2007) was an American writer and poet who frequently wrote about her Christian faith as well as her interest in modern science.
Half an hour of listening is essential except when one is very busy. Then, a full hour is needed.
From Isaiah 41:1: “Listen to me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment.”
From 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Creator’s
Voice abounds
Truly humbling ourselves
Taking time to listen
Holiness
Worship
Gospel’s constellation
Connecting with God
Scripture, prayer, and song
Praiseworthy
Gospel
Shared daily
One on one
Proclaiming Lord’s Good News
Discipleship
This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.
When we have something to share, we naturally want undivided attention. Guess what–God is the same way. He speaks with a purpose and expects our complete focus and attention.
From 1 Samuel 3:8-10: “The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.'”
Real communication is an attitude, an environment. It requires more listening than talking.
Control your own destiny or someone else will.
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You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time.
From James 1:19: “You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
Big Sky Buckeye 